Canadians value their forests for many reasons: jobs, habitat, recreation, and cultural heritage. They want the best possible balance of protection and wise use of this resource, which covers nearly half the nation and makes up 10 per cent of all the earth's forests.
The Canadian Forest Service of Natural Resources Canada is helping Canadiansfind that balance. As the federal agency responsible for forest research and development, its mandate is to promote the sustainable management and competitiveness of Canada's forests for all users, both now and in the future.
Its researchers use up-to-date science and technology from many fields to improve understanding of the forest and to develop methods and technologies that will make a real difference in the way forests are managed.
The activities of the Canadian Forest Service in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories are directed from the Northern Forestry Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, with assistance from offices inPrince Albert, Saskatchewan, and Winnipeg, Manitoba.
A sector of the Department of Natural Resources, the Canadian Forest Serviceconsists of five research centres and headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario.
Northern Foresty Centre Research Programs:
Forest Protection and Environment - The Forest Protection and Environment program is concerned with identifying and assessing factors that impact on forest ecosystems and examining ways to lessen their effects.
Forest Resources - The Forest Resources program emphasizes the development of applied research products (including decision-support systems) to promote integrated resource management and sustainable forestry practices.
Regional Development - Coordinating the activities of four federal-provincial/territorial forestry agreements is a major focus of the Regional Development program, which also manages the offices in Prince Albert and Winnipeg.